Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Will King on November 22, 2016 at 6:17am

I built a steel string tenor uke with a mag pickup a few years ago and have changed the strings several times, trying to get the same 'tight string' sound of a nylon string uke.  The sound is good, but is a little harder on the ears, than the nylon strings.  My current string sizes for the 17 inch scale length are G=12, C=17, E=14, & A=10.  You have to have sharp angles on the strings at the nut and bridge so that they don't move around and buzz.  I also use a steel threaded bolt for the bridge.  I don't play any amped uke in public, because I am not a very good player.

Permalink Reply by Scott aka Farmer Ted on November 22, 2016 at 8:17am

Short scale instruments with steel strings often need higher gauge strings to enable tuning, and to reduce string tension, which makes it more playable too.

An alternative scale length that works great for ukulele tuning is tenor guitar. Scale length ranges from 19.5" up to where I like to build, 23".

This electric tenor is 23" scale, tuned DGBE (can be DGBd) with the middle four strings from a set of D'Darrio's, (.017, .026, .036, .042).

Or change strings for other uke tunings.

Permalink Reply by Fomhorach on November 22, 2016 at 2:48pm

If the instrument is intended for teaching, it makes no difference, the player will learn it as either.

If it's going to a steel string player guitarist, choose those.

Build it with player intention.

Permalink Reply by Lane Martin on November 22, 2016 at 3:24pm

I'm just building it for me at the moment. Might sell it if someone is interested.

Permalink Reply by gary sheldon on December 3, 2016 at 11:28am

Steel strings will put more tension on the neck joint.  Assuming you are not doing neck thru.  Either way should be nice.